ARB Extends Program for Portable Equipment Owners:
Single Registration Allows Statewide Operation

Sacramento- The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has extended its deadline to register portable equipment of 50 or more horsepower for statewide use. As part of an outreach effort, ARB in cooperation with the California Contractors State License Board has sent out 300,000 notifications to equipment owners of a deadline extension.

"The opportunity to enroll in this program was missed by too many businesses so ARB is doubling its efforts to seek out these engines," said ARB Chairman, Dr. Robert Sawyer. "It streamlines the process and saves money and time. A single ARB-issued registration allows an engine to operate in all of California's 35 air districts: one registration, all districts."

The notices are part of a comprehensive effort to reach equipment owners who missed previous opportunities to enroll in the registration program that allows operation statewide. Although registration is voluntary, it eliminates the need to get a permit from every air quality district in which the equipment will run. Owners who choose not to take advantage of this opportunity can still request a permit to operate their equipment from each local air district. Qualified engines for this program include air compressors, generators, concrete pumps, tub grinders, wood chippers, water pumps, drill rigs, pile drivers, rock drills, abrasive blasters, aggregate screening and crushing plants, concrete batch plants, and welding machines.

To ensure all eligible engines are captured under this program, ARB is intensifying its search and systematically reaching out to potential owners. The direct mailing of 300,000 postcards will target licensed contractors, associations with potential owners of portable engines, private and public fleet managers, air quality management districts, and equipment dealers. Although not all recipients of this mailing may own a portable engine, the main objective is for those postcards to exchange hands and for the information to be disbursed among interested parties.

Groups included in this outreach endeavor include:

• Professional Associations
  • Construction Industry Air Quality Coalition
  • Southern California Contractors Association
  • Engineering Contractors Association of Southern California
  • California Association of Tree Trimmers and Landscapers
  • American Concrete Pumping Association
  • Associated General Contractors of California
  • Engine Manufacturers Association
  • California Landscape Contractors Association
  • Golden State Builders Exchanges
• Equipment auction operators
• Equipment manufacturers
• Equipment dealers
• California Air Pollution Control Officers Association

During an ARB emergency hearing in December 2006, many business owners that would otherwise have enrolled their equipment, expressed their lack of awareness of the open opportunity. Acknowledging industry's concerns, ARB members directed staff to implement a postponement for specific engines and only those based in California. As a result, the program registration deadline was extended, but owners are encouraged to act quickly as some older engine classes will soon no longer be admitted.

California has 35 local air districts responsible for enforcement of regulations requiring permits or registration for these engines. Recently, all districts have received a significant increase in funds for these activities. It is very likely that all operations in California will be visited by enforcement officers who will cite owners and operators of unregistered equipment.

Registration fees are based on engine size and model year, so ARB is encouraging the public to click here or call (916) 323-1103 for more specific information. The Portable Engine Registration Program is ongoing and deadlines vary according to engine model year and horsepower. Businesses that enroll early during the open window, will incur lower fees.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

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